2019 is shaping up to be wildly promising year for Music City, with numerous Nashville artists — whether they're country singers, rappers, pop artists or Americana standouts — all poised for a breakout (or to get even bigger than they already are.) Here are just a few of the acts we suggest keeping an eye on.

Jimmie Allen

The "Best Shot" singer set records in 2018 when his debut single became a multi-week No. 1 song. The chart-topping success of "Best Shot" made Allen the first black male artist to launch his career with a No. 1 song at country radio. The song was in the top position for two weeks, dropped to No. 2 and then reclaimed No. 1 – a rare back-and-forth at country radio that hasn’t happened for a decade. “Best Shot” is from Allen’s debut album “Mercury Lane” that is available now.

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Tenille Townes

Tenille Townes is a Canadian country music singer from Grande Prairie, Alberta.(Photo: Grand Ole Opry)

A Canadian with a heart for country music as big as her home country, Tenille Townes understands how to pair memorable melodies with meaningful messages. The combination ensures her songs get heard. In her current radio single “Somebody’s Daughter,” Townes ponders the story of a homeless woman she often passes on the way home.

Townes sings:

Bet she was somebody's best friend| Back when she was somebody's sister|Bet she was somebody's first kiss| Dancing in a gym where the kids all talk about someday, someday| Now this light'll turn green and I'll hand her a couple dollars| Oh, and I'll wonder if she got lost or they forgot her| She's somebody's daughter.

“Somebody’s Daughter” is already a Top 10 hit in Canada and Australia and is being streamed nearly 1 million times a week.

Lennon Stella

Lennon Stella(Photo: Eliot Lee Hazel)

For a moment about five years ago, it seemed possible that the TV drama "Nashville" might produce a real country star from its multi-talented cast.

That didn't come to pass. But now that the show is over, one of its youngest stars appears to be on the verge of becoming a pop phenomenon.

In November 20-year-old Lennon Stella released a wildly promising debut EP on Columbia Records, with production from Greg Kurstin (Adele, Paul McCartney), Joel Little (Lorde) and busbee (Maren Morris). But the most important name in the liner notes is Stella's. In addition to being a smooth and expressive vocalist, she's a co-writer on all five songs.

Cody Johnson

Among the most traditional country songs on the radio, Johnson’s “On My Way to You” is the lead single from his debut album with Warner Music Nashville “Ain’t Nothin’ To It” that will be in stores Jan. 18. Independently, Johnson amassed more than 300 million streams before partnering with Warner in 2018. “On My Way to You” is in the Top 25 at country radio and climbing. The Texas native will headline Ryman Auditorium May 4. Tickets are on sale now.

Daisha McBride

Daisha McBride(Photo: Submitted)

"Labels wanna sign the kid? They better come with better offers."

So says 22-year-old Nashville rapper Daisha McBride on her latest infectious single, "Nothing Else" — and she can back it up. The recent MTSU grad has been running her own show for years, gaining a loyal following on Instagram as "The Rap Girl." In the past, she'd tackle established pop songs, adding original verses that showcased her precision, charisma and a songwriter's ear.

In 2019, she'll employ all that on her own music. McBride plans to kick the year off with a new single that "showcases me rapping and singing for the first time," with a full-length to follow in February.

Lauren Jenkins

Lauren Jenkins will release her debut album "No Saint" in March.(Photo: photo by Jack Noble)

In terms of who to watch in country music, Lauren Jenkins is a perfect fit. Jenkins, who is signed at Big Machine Label Group, was born in Texas, raised in North Carolina and studied acting in New York City. Her new rocking up-tempo “Give Up the Ghost” is from her forthcoming album "No Saint" that will be available in March. Following the album, Jenkins will release “Running Out of Road,” a short film she wrote, stars in, location scouted and edited that is a companion piece for her project.

The film is comprised of three videos that will be released in February. Her 12-minute feature “Running Out of Road” will be out this spring.

Brandon Lay

Laidback energy and a catchy hook are Lay’s best friends and his distinct voice makes him a standout in a genre overflowing with male artists. Lay spent the summer winning fans over while he played on Kenny Chesney’s stadium tour, getting them to sing along with his new hit “Yada Yada Yada.”

Lay also crossed another milestone off this list in 2018 – he became a dad. Lay and his wife Nicole welcomed Ryder Knox in September.

In 2018, Tenpenny released “Drunk Me,” his debut single which became his first No. 1 song.

The Nashville native also dropped his debut album “Telling All My Secrets” in December. But choosing hit songs is in his blood. Tenpenny hails from Music Row royalty. His grandmother is Donna Hilley, the first female CEO of Sony/ATV Music Publishing.

His follow-up single “Alcohol You Later” will be out in January.

Yola

Yola will release her debut album Feb. 22.(Photo: Submitted)

For the last three years, British singer-songwriter Yola (who previously performed as Yola Carter) has been a standout at the Americana Fest in Nashville.

Among those who took notice: Black Keys frontman Dan Auerbach. The Nashville rocker produced her new album, "Walk Through Fire," which arrives Feb. 22 on his Easy Eye Sound label.

The album includes guest appearances by country star Vince Gill and award-winning guitarist Molly Tuttle. Easy Eye recently released the music video for the album's debut single, "Ride Out in the Country," a dreamy country-soul ballad led by her cool vocal.